Russia’s defense minister briefed more on Mariupol earlier today.

Sergei Shoigu discussed the progress of Russia’s invasion, dubed a “special military operation” by its leaders.

He asserted that the Russian military was in control of Mariupol, the port city, and that it was restoring “peacetime life” in Mariupol and other towns.

He claimed Ukrainian forces holding out in the devastated city’s Azovstal metal industry were hemmed in.

And the efforts will be continued to persuade them to “free” trapped civilians and lay down their arms.

According to Shoigu, the Russian military and its Ukrainian rebel partners in the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk people’s republics are gaining control of additional land.

Since Russian forces withdrew from the territory around Kiev after incurring serious losses two months into the war, the military focus has shifted to the Donbas.

Ukrainian military have been fighting rebels in the region since 2014.

While,  they are well-equipped and entrenched, the Russians and their allies have managed to gain some ground.